Tottenham will remain without one of their key playmakers for their Europa League clash with Ludogorets and Premier League fixture with Chelsea.
Jose Mourinho's have been in fine form of late but they face another big week, first taking on Ludogorets as they look to maintain their advantage in their extremely tight Europa League group before taking on London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League.
The clash with Chelsea is set up to be a key game for both teams who are already being mooted as title challengers this season, just two points separating Spurs in first and Frank Lampard's men in third.
But ahead of the game, Tottenham have suffered an injury blow with Mourinho confirming Erik Lamela will remain out with his calf injury.
"Not this week," Mourinho said in his Europa League pre-match press conference when asked about the Argentine. "Not this week. Not tomorrow or Sunday, I think I can say that.
"I would be very, very surprised if he said he was able to play Sunday so I will say not this week."
Lamela has been absent since early November with the calf injury, missing Spurs' last two league games, wins over West Brom and Manchester City respectively.
The 28-year-old had appeared in five league games prior to that, starting two and making three appearances off the bench, as well as making two outings in the Europa League.
While Spurs will have eyes on the Chelsea game, their clash with Ludogorets could prove equally as important with three of four sides in Group J all locked on six points after three games.
Tottenham are currently top of the group based on head-to-head and goal difference but a win over Ludogorets could hand them a clear advantage with LASK and Antwerp going head-to-head on Thursday night.
Mourinho's men will finish their group stage campaign with a game against each of those sides.
